Geneva lights up not only for Christmas. No, no, no. The end of January marks the start of the Geneva Lux Festival. It will last till 05.02.2023. Illuminated pieces of art in the streets of Geneva are a perfect reason to dress warmly and make good use of the early nightfall. And please do! It is a beautiful visual feast!

Geneva LUX makes the city colorful, artful, and joyful in the coldest weeks of the year!

Autonomous, kinetic, participatory

There are many novelties to see this year. Some will only light up if public is present close by. Some are interactive in a surprising way, others consist of light and movement, many have sound effets too. Normally, every year I say which are my top picks to see this year. But when it comes to Geneva Lux 2023 it is impossible without seeing everything first. The presentation of this year’s works is fascinating! 

FOR FAMILIES

There are 2 family trails already programmed on the map! So how about an evening out with a hot cup of something chocolate (for example from Pages&Sips or Ladurrée)?

Both family trails are doable with a pram and not too long for older kids. They also lead to the artworks that children will enjoy the most.

How to plan the adventure?

The official website has an interactive map, where all the artworks are pinpointed and described. It also lets you choose from several trails, two of them were especially though for Families (fingers crossed that next year we will also see a wheelchair-friendly trail).

PRACTICAL INFO

Location: the streets of the City of Geneva
Dates: 27.01.2023 – 05.02.2023
Website: Geneva Lux 2023

This year started with record-high temperatures. For many families, this end-of-the-year holiday has always meant sledging and snowman-building somewhere in the nearby mountains. This year it’s only possible if you’re up for driving farther and higher. But! There’s a lot to do in Geneva with kids this January week.

This list contains ideas for all ages, abilities, wallets, and all types of weather.

Ready? Let’s do it!

1.

Quartier Libre. A new playful, educational and interactive exhibiot brought to us by SIG, straight from Paris. It tackles the theme of light and the energy of nature. Brace yourself to be captured in the spider’s web, trigger wind, grow flowers on your head, and marvel at fireflies! As soon as it gets dark, two outdoor projections are added to the exhibition!

Entry is free, the venue is open every day. There is a treasure hunt available to help kids discover this exhibition. Pedagogical file and treasure hunt available on request at [email protected].

2.

It’s the last week to see the Cirque de Noel! Accrobations and tricks prepared for their show this season are really cool, some wowing, others thrilling! all in all, a good show. Get your tickets and enjoy this faily outing that kids will talk about for weeks to come.

Tickets here. Location: Plainpalais. Combine with a stroll in the Old Town, or a stroll through Carouge Magique exhibition after dark.

3.

The Science History Museum‘s current temporary exhibition is all about the mountains. What attracts a scientist to the universe of the mountains? Why attempt to climb the highest peaks when you are a scientist? What measurements and experiments to do there? The exhibition explores the link, between the mountain and the human.

This taming of a hostile and dangerous world was made from observations, stories of pioneers in the 17th century already, but it was the Age of Enlightenment that opened wide the doors to the exploration of « glacials » and from the high altitude and more particularly from the highest European peak, Mont-Blanc. This adventure dating back more than 2 centuries continues today, with the Alpine ecosystem remaining a valuable laboratory for understanding climate change.

Free entry. Location: Perle du Lac. Non accessible with prams or wheelchairs.

Combine with: playtime in the park, Jardin Botanique, a ride ona mouette.

4.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the famous Hameau du Pere Noel and the Grand Park d’Andilly before Christmas, now it’s the perfect less crowded time! It’s in France, a quick drive from Geneva, and a must-visit. Both places are wonderfully designed and make visitors feel as if they entered a fairy tale world. I wrote about it here.

Tickets here. Location: France. Combine with: a visit to the great Maison du Saleve.

5.

Have you ever visited Vivarium in Meyrin. It’s a rather small but fascinating place with reptiles, spiders, and amphibians. It’s easily reachable with public transport, and absolutely worth your time.

Tickets: here. Location: Meyrin. Combine with: Jardin Alpin in Meyrin or CERN.

6.

Geneva’s Cathedral is a great place to visit, even better if you plan to visit it from the underground way up to the tower. Climbing the north tower to benefit from the magnificent view of Geneva is great! But di you know you can also visit the archeological site located under the cathedral? It’s fascinating, interesting and such a boost for kids’ imagination.

Tickets and practical info here. Location: Old Town. Combine with: Maison Tavel, Parc des Bastions.

7.

This one is for older kids (minimum 8 years old): all sorts of escape games and challenge rooms. We tested and can recommend: Sensas, Game Over, Cube Challenges, and Ultim Escape (Meyrin).

Game Over and Ultim Escape are escape rooms. Sensas is not about solving puzzles but challenging senses – absolutely thrilling! Cube Challenges on the other hand is a mix of several small escape games, and senses tasks. All are great and all available in English and French!

8.

How about a movie? Check what’s on in Pathe, Cinema Bio in Carouge, Grutli, or les Scala. When choosing Pathe in Balexert or Arena in La Praille you can combine the outing with bowling to make the day fully fun and adding a physical activity.

There’s one more cinema to consider: DreamScape Geneva. Parentville has not yet tested this VR cinema’s adventures but it looks cool and we will surely give it a go soon!

9.

There are two ways to feel the winter in January 2023 in Geneva: go high up to the mountains or… try ice skating! Best places to try ice skating are: Vergers in Meyrin, Vernets in Geneva, and Place de Sardaigne in Carouge. All are equipped with everything you need, there are bars, snack bars or restaurants at the venues. Remember to bring gloves as they are an obligatory safety requirement.

10.

The weather is perfect for hikes/walks in the canton! There are so many beautiful places, adventurous paths, and spots to see! You can start with the hikes I gathered in this article. This is the best adn totally free activity for all. If you’d like to discover pram/wheelchair friendly walks in Geneva check this article on Parentville.

AND SOME MORE

How about visiting wonderful BioParc in Versoix, or Musee du Leman in Nyon? You can also stick to Geneva and go to CERN, Musee des Pompiers, burn some energy at Airloop, get crazy in Luna Park at Plainpalais, visit animals in La Gavotte or Bois de la Batie (combine with viewing rivers melting into one from Viaduc de la Jonction).

I was talking to my British friend the other day about our families’ Christmas traditions. The amount of singular dishes that traditionally have to be placed on the Christmas table got a bit of a giggle, but it was the hay placed under the tablecloth that got her choking on her lunch. So, just in case, please no eating while reading.

10 things you possibly didn’t know about a Polish Christmas.

1. The most important day is Christmas Eve. We actually do everything Christmasy on that day – you’ll see. Christmas Day, and the next day (that is also a holiday) are either to lie in bed, see friends, or meet with parts of the families that couldn’t sit at same table with you on Christmas Eve. Oh, and Christmas Eve is not a holiday,  (though whoever is able to takes at least half day off) – keep that in mind.

2. We don’t decorate the Christmas tree in November. We don’t even do it the first week in December. We, traditionally, decorate the tree on the morning of Christmas Eve, or maximum a day before. Some clever person decided we would have one day to decorate the tree, work, cook, and eat early dinner. Us Pole’s are very good at multitasking!

3. The most important meal of Christmas time – the Christmas Eve dinner – is actually a meal at a time between lunch and dinner. Traditionally, we are supposed to fast on that day, so over time people realised it was hard to wait until 5pm (all whilst working, decorating a tree, cooking…I can see you sense a theme here). Traditionally the meal should start when the first star starts shining in the sky, so in some houses it starts even earlier (yep, in the north Poland it can be around 3:30 pm).

4. Before we eat, everybody gets a piece of Christmas Wafer (yes, it’s a thing) to share with each of the other family members gathered together (we starve all day and the first thing we get is a wafer – but it’s a great one!)  We take that second to wish everyone one of them a Merry Christmas, and add a more personal greeting or wish. But the whole point is not to let them take too much of the wafer – it’s actually super delicious. 

5. We add one additional seat (and plate) for a strayed wanderer, to commemorate Holy Mary and Holy Joseph not being able to find a place to stay. To be honest, it’s always been quite funny as it’s not that we would actually let a stranger into our house (you never know which political party they support and all that).

6. At one corner of the table there’s always a bit of hay under the tablecloth. Don’t ask me why. My British friend suggested it was for a stray reindeer (?) who came in with the stray wanderer. Those Brits have some imagination. 

7. Exactly 12 dishes of food must be placed on the table, and while that may be easy to do with big families, a family of even 8 might struggle with eating so much. So, to ensure we are in line with tradition (because we Poles are big when it comes to traditions), we count everything (sauces, salads, etc.) to meet the final 12. 

8. We start the meal with a soup (either a special Christmas version of a borscht with mushrooms and special dumplings, or a mushroom soup) then dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms. Then the table is filled with all the kinds of fish; with the common Carp being the most common Christmas fish (in my childhood they were bought alive at the market by my grandparents, and would be kept swimming in the bath for few hours or even a day before being cooked).

9. After the dinner we try to drink tea, but kids are already anxious – Santa will be here any minute! Every family has a different trick to make the gifts suddenly appear under the tree.

10. The gifts arrive! We unwrap, we smile, we thank each other, and we carry all the packaging to the recycle bins- after all, despite what you’ve read above, we are a modern nation, not barbarians 😉

What are some of the things the rest of us may not know about your Christmas or holiday season? I’d love to know!

Christmas family starts now! Use this article to plan outings to step into the Christmas season. There is something here for everyone, for all ages. There are shows to see, parks to visit, and places to enjoy!

Ready? Let’s do it!

LE JARDIN SECRET DE LA MERE NOEL
From November 6

Schilliger Garden Center is an absolute champion when it comes to Christmas decorations. Each year, they chose one Christmasy theme and transform their shops into a Christmas paradise – this year Mrs Santa Claus has got all the focus! It’s beautiful, magical, and accompanied by events for small and big (you’ll find them all in Parentville’s calendar). There are also Christmas bauble from Poland (in Gland only) who can personalize your baulb with anything you’d like – it can make for a great gift, and a great souvenir.

Great news: the shop in Gland is open also on Sundays till Christmas!

RECRECREA – Creative kits

You can easily have Christmas fun at home oo, especially if you’re equipped with creative sets from Recrecrea. There are two this year: one strictly Christmasy for 18 CHF – it is a set filled with lots of different things that will allow kids to create Christmas decorations and whatever else they wish. There is also another set with all materials needed to create a beautiful advent calendar. You can check them all here.

HAMEAU DU PERE NOEL & GRAND PARC DE NOEL
Open already

Hameau du Pere Noel is an incredible place. It’s a village in nearby France (a really short drive) in which Santa lives with all his family. The decorations are mindblowing and the whole setup feels as real as it can be. You can read all about it here. But that is not all! The neighboring Grand Parc d’Andilly was transformed into the Grand Parc de Noel! You can get one ticket to visit both places on the same day (a shuttle bus will take you from to the other) or decide to visit just one. Both places have shops by the exit, with all you may need for a magical Christmas.

For Hameau du Pere Noel click here.
For the Grand Parc de Noel it’s here.

CHRISTMAS AT CHILLON CASTLE
All weekends in December

This year, Chateau Chillon partnered up with Montreux Noel to bring us a Christmas with the Middle Ages vibe. Tons of Christmas trees, decorations, workshops, storytelling. Even animals will be present. The program sounds fun! It is best to book tickets asap.

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October holidays are tricky for staycation planning – it’s only one week, the weather is tricky, and gosh it’s the whole week. For those of you who would like to explore new places and use this week for some fun outings. I compiled a list of resources already available on this website. It should make your research easier.

Ready? Let’s do it!

This button will lead you to an article about zoo’s and farms in and around Geneva. Some are in Geneva, some are far. Some have farm animals, some have lions. There is something for everyone!

This article is a list of several beautiful autumn walks in Geneva and surrounding areas. When the weather is right such a walk can be a great way to occupy the kids! Collect leaves, chestnuts, and other treasures of nature. Prepare a picnic and enjoy the oxygen!

How about a new sport? Something you could all learn and do together? Climbing is perfect – no rain can spoil the fun, it’s not about speed, and it can be done solo. No need to join a class (maybe 1-2 times to understand some rules). It’s perfect!

Not a fan of climbing? Maybe accrbranche will make you happy? An obstacle trail up in the trees with ziplines. Kids can do it alone or with friends, or I dare you – with parents. Are you convinced?

October holidays are just before Halloween! There are many spooky activities taking place. Check out this article to choose the best fun for your kids!

SOme of you have a school aged kid and a baby at the same time. In this article you can find some ideas that will fit all of you, especially pram-friendly walks in pure nature.

This article is dedicated to all Muslim women and girls in the Parentville community and those who want to understand a bit more.

At the bottom of the text, you’ll find propositions of childrens books about on religious tolerance.

OH, THE IRONY.

By now, the whole world knows about the death of Mahsa Amini, hijabs, and the fact that letting your hair blow in the wind is a crime in Iran. But while the Iranian regime forces women to wear hijabs (and the Taliban forcing women to wear burqas, and so on), there are movements in Europe to ban the hijab altogether. Force there, ban here.

Isn’t it ironic?

There are many ironic, absurd and sad nuances in these facts. And it all comes down to choice.

THE STORY OF HIJAB

I recently met with Shaymaa, a follower who became a dear friend, to talk about hijabs and understand a bit more. Let’s start from the beginning.

Women have been covering their hair even before Islam came about. Just check the paintings of Holy Mary (a Jewish woman, as controversial as it may be for some, she was Jewish). Then, Islam came about, and Quran (Surat 24, verse 31) stated that women needed to cover their chests (for lack of a better translation) – it did not say anything about the head as it was a custom already. It also reminded men not to gaze/stare at women. Some treated it literally and only covered their chests. In most Islamic (not to confuse with Arabic) countries, this was a loose rule. It was up to the women to choose if they wanted to wear hijab or not.

Well, up to the point because the Prophet said hijab is obligatory, BUT if women choose not to follow this or other rules it’s between them and God. So it is obligatory but not penalized if not applied.

Shaymaa then told me about another verse from Quran, or rather a part of a verse: « There is no compulsion in religion » Surat 2, verse 256. The rest of the verse explains it well “the truth stands out clearly from falsehood”. What she has always understood from that is that every person has their choices, according to what they know and what they want, and they will be judged by God and no one else.

Back to the historic timeline

In 1979 the Islamic Revolution in Iran changed everything. In the 80s, women were instructed to wear hijabs. You can see photos from before and after the Revolution here. More or less, the same applies to other Islamic countries. With time, the women’s choice of expressing their religiousness and fashion was taken away from them, with Afghanistan having the toughest dress code.

Mahsa Amini died because her hijab was not correctly placed on her head. This started massive riots in Iran: women are putting hijabs on fire, throwing them out, and cutting their hair short. Shaymaa had a spot-on reflection on that: Does it mean these women are fighting Islam? I do not think so. Again, I think it all comes down to choice.

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

At the same time, in Switzerland, there is a discussion about banning hijabs at schools. Argument: public institutions must be free of religious symbols. But what about people who voluntarily choose hijab in a religion that asks them to wear it in public places? Does it mean banning necklaces with crosses? Does it mean also mean banning yarmulkes? Or that orthodox Jewish married women will also be forbidden from covering their heads while attending the PTA meetings?

Some claim that girls and women are forced to wear hijabs. Shaymaa confirmed that some are, but it’s a minority. What about those who aren’t forced and want to wear it? Is banning it for everyone the right way to help those being forced? Or maybe they will not be allowed to leave the house anymore? There must be a different way to help those forced by letting free expression of religion to others. You can check here what Amnesty International has to say about it.

Another argument is that France already did it. There is already a study pointing out, surprise surprise, the adverse effects of this ban. Reading it is eyes opening. But why trust scientists and experts?

DIVERSITY.

What I love about my daughter’s public school is precisely that she will meet and befriend people of different skin colours, religions, cultures, and ethnicities. From an early age, this is her reality. She knows that ethnicity and religion have nothing to do with being a good person, a good friend. I didn’t have that growing up – in my childhood. Everybody looked the same. For my daughter, it is normal for her that some kids don’t celebrate Christmas. She knows what Ramadan is and that the Chinese New Year is different from ours. I love that she knows it just by having various friends.

Letting diversity thrive is, I believe, the way to build a tolerant society.  If they added more disabled kids to public schools, the world would be an even better place.

And why, bloody why, is it always about women and their bodies? Abortions, hijabs. Women had to fight barriers to wear pants and ride horses like men. It seems the fight is not over. Men always come back with new ideas about how and what we should wear or do with our bodies. Will it ever be over?

Women and girls who wear hijabs voluntarily do not hurt anyone with their scarves. Please, let them choose.

BOOKS FOR KIDS

“My Religion, Your Religion” by Lisa Bullard and Holli Conger

“Hats of Faith” by Medeia Cohan-Petrolino & Sarah Walsh

Who Believes What? by Anna Wills and Nora Tomm

The Kids Book of World Religions by Jennifer Glossop

What Do You Believe: Big Questions about Religion from DK Publishing

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Are you looking for fun Halloween activities in Geneva? Then you’re in the right place! Well. Assuming you’re looking for Halloween in Geneva events in 2022, that is.

My Halloween hunt for events will continue, and I will be adding them to the events calendar – check here.

Ready? Let’s do it!

CANDY TREASURE HUNT IN THE OLD TOWN

How about a candy treasure hunt in the mysterious streets of the Geneva’s Old Town? Come wearing your costume, discover the secrets of this beautiful part of the city and stock up on treats!
You’ll receive a spooky game books and stickers to use in the book while you’re hunting for candy. It all involves ugly characters that made the history of Geneva: witches, executioners, bad wolves and tyrants!
This great game is animated by our infernal witches! You will also be in the company of other families and children, for even more fun! You can choose one of three different trails while mkaing your reservation.

INFO & TICKETS HERE.

“Torture and Punishment” candlelight walk

Ages 10+

This event will take you into the dephts of a dark and pitiless city. Torment of the strappado, recourse to questioning, beheadings, judicial drownings… the list of tortures and punishments is as long as it is varied. By candlelight, you will set off on a journey to the heart of horror! You will never see Geneva the same way again!

And to recover from your emotions, a mulled wine with spices (or a hot mango juice) awaits you at Radar de Poche. A seasoned and atypical bartender, Pascal Saiter, is a multi-medal winner! All his cocktails are made to measure, according to your tastes! Unique in Geneva!

MORE INFO HERE.

HALLOWEEN PARTY AT SPELL LANGUAGES

Spell Languages run their first Halloween party last year and kids liked it a lot! There were crafts, candy, and spookiness adapted to different age groups. It is happenning again this year, yey! The party is organized in collaboration with Emys Robot and HB Academie.
The program and registration details will be announced soon – best is to follow Spell on Instagram or Facebook to have the news and quickly book the tickets.

CHAPLIN’S WORLD

The Chaplin’s Museum site will be frightfully decorated till November 6. On top of that the most famous monsters of Hollywood will animate the special Halloween trail. Some of them move/make sounds but everything is well indicated on the map, so you can avoid the interactive monsters if it’s not your kids thing. Special this year: Loup Garou and his cave!

You can purchase a ticket just for the Halloween animations (it does not give access to the Manoir and the Studio). You can find all the necessary information here.

HALLOWEEN AT THE PRANGINS CASTLE

Chateau de Prangins seems to organize more and more rich orogram for Halloween. This year everything starts at 2 pm.  There will be a story time (in French) three times in the afternoon. You can also take a guided tour on the history of witches in the French-speaking Switzerland. They will hold pumpkin curving workshops, activities in the Salle du Potager and in the Kitchen Garden. Oh! And ther is also a possibility of a visit to to the Kitchen Garden to check out the poisonous plants! And that is not all.

CHECK FOR MORE HERE.

HALLOWEEN IN THE VINEYARDS (JUSSY, SATIGNY, DARDAGNY)

Bring your kids to for trick or treating, or rather candy hunting, in the beautiful scenery. These events are great for all families not just kids. The Halloween celebration here includes food, creativity and lots and lots of fun. defeinitely something to check out!

For the Jussy event click here.
For info about Dardagny check here.
All you need to know about Halloween in Satigny is here.

SENSAS

ages 7+

A great place to shiver and laugh at the same time. It’s perfect for Halloween and surely Sensa will prepare their sensory trail in a spooky way for the occasion. Parentville tried it, Parentville loved it, Parentville recommends it. What it is? You’ll be invited to several rooms, each with a different sensory task. You will touch things in the darkness, you will taste things in the darkness, smell them too of course. You will challenge your sight, and all the other senses too! It’s brilliant.

Book fast here.

HALLOWEEN BALL FOR KIDS

For the first time ever Cercle des Bains organizes a special Halloween children’s ball. There will be a dancefloor, there will  be a DJ. But also: candy galore, animations and activitie, bouncy castle, a dress up contest, and not but not least snacks and drinks. To book your place and check more details please check here.

PARC AVENTURE – SPOOKY ACCROBRANCHE

The most adventourous parc in Geneva will be decorated with dreadful witches and terrifying spider webs even before Halloween so a visit there will already put you in the right mood. On 28th and 29th of October you can book your spot for special nightime accrobranche. The whole team will be wearing costumes, you will receive a frontal lamp, there will be prizes, raclette, and more! You have too book your place, and do it fast as for each night only 150 places are available. You can see how it works by clicking here.

SWISS VAPEUR PARC

If you haven’t yet visited the Swiss Vapeur Parc now is the time! If you already have, you  may enjoy the new Halloween-y look of the place. From October 14th the parc will be decorated and uncanny activities will be added to the parc. Some mildly scary characters, pumpkins, and spider nets will make the train journies even more exciting. To get your tickets click here.

CHATEAU CHILLON

What place can have a better scenery for Halloween than an old castle? Chateau Chillon is perfect and their activities are spooktakular! This year Halloween in Chillon will be all about the ghost of Yolande of Montferrat. There is a mystery to solve, ghost’s traces to be found. Cafe Byron will have very Halloweeny menu on the day! Absolutely worth checking out!

More info here.

HALLOWEEN IN YATOULAND

Halloween party at Yatouland will take place on October 29, from 15h30 till 20h30. It will be a fan occassion to dance with kids, with music assured by DJ Mike. « Verity » will perform her songs and give autographs. Make up station, tatoos and photobooth will add to the party atmosphere!

Reservation is mandatory. You cn check the details, prices and book your spot at yatooland.com.

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The first of the summer, the last of the school year – June is a busy and exciting month. Rest assured that between booking the summer camps and hunting for gifts for teachers, there is a lot of fun ahead! I will now spare you a prolonged blah blah blah kind of intro and get straight into listing fun things happening in Geneva in June.

Ready? Let’s do it!

Les Grandes Médiévales d’Andilly, France
June 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12

Les Grandes Medievales is an annual medieval festival that takes place every year in the Grand Parc d’Andilly. It’s filled with great shows (horses, fire, acrobatics, storytelling, magic and more! There’s also food and games. It is a very popular festival, it can get crowded, and prams are not practical in that place. You can book your parking place with your ticket. You can also park in designated parking farther away – shuttles will take you to the festival. You can be there a few hours, the whole day, or if you’re that brave – stay for the night shows! Comfy shoes and water bottles.

More info here.

LES PETITES KANAILLES
June 11, Grand-Saconnex

A day dedicated to children and families at the theater le Douze Dix-Huit and its suroundings! With shows for young and old, music, activities, games and entertainment to keep your children busy before, between and during performances. A great way to kick off the summer for families. It will start at 10 am and finish at 6:30 pm. Snacks and bevargaes will be availble on site.

More info here.

Bol d’Or Mirabaud,
June 10-12, Lac Leman

The worlds’ biggest closed bassin regata is taking place on our beloved Lac Leman. Over 500 sailboats will meet at the start line to compete. It turns the lake into a great scene. You can watch from different places along the lake throughout the day. From Friday (June 10) you can also hang out in the Village du BOM placed by the lake in Geneva on the occasion. Stands, animations, restaurants, bars, concerts! The site doesn’t specify where the Village will be, but we can probably all safely guees it will be Jardin d’Anglais.

More info here.

Le Jeune Homme de Cro-Magnon
June 8, 11, 12; Theatre la Creve Coeur

A playful and wacky show about our ancestor, his relationship with nature and the major discoveries that will forever change his way of existing. Adapted from Rémi Chaurand’s book, this story immerses us in the daily life of an 11-year-old Cro-Magnon and his best friend, at a time of mistrust and fear, of total dependence on nature, where everything is still discover. It is the unknown, the adventure, the horizon that is looming, but also a bit of adolescence.

Show for ages 7+. More info and bookings here.

Fete de la Musique
24-26 June, Bastions

Three days of concerts and musical events in Geneva. This 31st edition is looking great: concerts, workshops and meetings of all styles and flavors. The next Fête de la Musique is once again taking place in the Parc des Bastions and in the Old Town and presents a program of 555 free cultural activities, on thirty stages, almost half of which are outdoors. Nothing like it to kick off the summer! Some municipalities will also organize events for the Fete de la Musqiue – check with your commune.

More info here.

PORTES OUVERTES A L’OBSERVATOIRE
June 18-19, Versoix

A rare occasion to visit the observatory of the University of Geneva as it celebrates its 250th anniversary! It will open to the public this month with cool surprises and activities for kids and adults. How about sun observations, or games teaching about the solar system, or even a planetarium show. There will be special workshops for children ages 12+.  Book your spots fast!

More info here.

CHARITY CONCERT
June 19, Victoria Hall

Charity concert performed by Harmonie Nautique de Genève in the beautiful Victoria Hall in Geneva organized by Ukraine Aid. This organization provides financial support to hosts of Ukrainian families in the European Union countries and in Switzerland. The aid is intended to relieve the families of displaced persons and to make it easier for displaced persons, often difficult ones, to start life in their new countries.

More info here.

DIABOLO FESTIVAL
June 25-26, Morges

The 10th edition of this cool festival for kids will take place in Morges, in a newly renovated theater! As usual, the program gives a special place to magic, theater and puppet shows as well as fun, creative and sporting activities and workshops. It’s a joyful fun festival!

More info here.

JARDIN DES NATIONS – immersive show
All summer

How about chilling in a fun garden, sipping drinks prepared by la Barje? To the fun you can add yoga, gardening, fresh vegies, and… an immersive 360° show about Vermeer and his amazing works. We saw the show few months ago and oh boy, it is really wonderful and relaxing!

More info here.

SCULPTURE GARDEN
June 10 – September 30, Eaux-Vives

A yearly open air exibition organised by Art Geneve. The art works placed in Parc des Eaux-Vives, La Grange and on Quai Gustave-Ador will for sure spice up your walk. Many of the sculptures will fascinate the kids as well, and who knows maybe it will inspire them to create something too?

More info here.

LUDOBUS, AMUSEBUS

The toy libraries on wheels are back to provide fun in various parks from Monday to Thursday every week till auatumn. In the city of Geneva it is called a Ludobus, in the municipality of Vernier it’s name is an Amusebus. You can check the details of places and timings for Geneva here, for Vernier here.

Every year Parentville hand picks the summer camps of excellent quality. Some of them agree to pay for a promotion in this article. Still, these are the camps Parentville fully trusts.

Ready? Let’s do it!

KNOCK ON WOOD

How about woodworking or woodworking mixed with programming? This year’s summer courses at Knock On Wood are exceptional! They have separate camps for kids ages 7+ and a different program for teens with teens-friendly hours. Each day children will design, craft, and learn to operate real badass machinery. Each day will bring new joys from the realization what hands can do! Outdoors outings are included in every day program. A wonderfuly balanced camps that offers new skills, meaningful activity, fun, and relaxation!

AGE: 7+  and Teens
PRICE: from 450/ week
HOURS: 8h30 – 17h30
LOCATION: Nations area
MORE INFO: click here.

SPELL LANGUAGES

Spell is the most adventurous language school for kids. Children come and learn without even noticing, because all they feel is having fun! Their summer camps offer is so rich and wonderful, this paragraph is not big enough to grasp. Different age groups to make kids comfortable (4-6, 4-8, 7-10, 11-14) with age adapted exciting themes. Kids will play with sweet and gentle Emys, learn about forests, or have a Koh Lanta week. They can learn or improve: English, French, German, Italian or Spanish. As you can see, there is something for everyone!

AGE:4+
PRICE: from 460/ week
HOURS: 8h00 – 17h30
LOCATION: Bastions area
MORE INFO: click here.

SIMPLY THEATRE

Simply Theatre has a fabulous lineup of workshops running at their Versoix studios from late June to mid-August. From rock musicals to Disney favourites, horror to Harry Potter, Acting Bootcamps to Movie Making there is something to tempt every young performer. Their fantastic tutors are drawn from across the world of theatre, television and film to deliver exhilarating and unique camps for all ages. Every tutor is passionate about working with young people and are hand-picked for each camp to ensure a first-class experience for students.

Running from 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday each week, fees for Simply Summer 2022 camps courses are 295CHF for Mini Performers (5-6 years/half days) and 595CHF for Young Performers (7-11) and Performers (12-18).

AGE: 5+
PRICE: from 295 CHF/week
LOCATION: Versoix
MORE INFO: here.

PEP ENGLISH

Back by popular demand: Learn English as if you were there! ​Following the huge success of our Interactive Virtual Tour Camps of English-speaking countries, PEP English is thrilled to present our 2022 Summer Camp programme! At our full immersion summer camps, children will discover landscapes and landmarks of different English-speaking countries and experience the local culture, traditions and games through a multi-sensorial experience. Let’s learn English and explore: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the USA.

All levels are welcome, from beginners to English mother-tongue. One qualified teacher and two assistants per group of 10 children. We split children into mini-groups to maximise progress and participation.

AGE: 5+
PRICE: 600 CHF/week
LOCATION: Veyrier
CONTACT: www.pepenglish.ch/ 022 321 77 31 / [email protected] / Instagram: @pepenglish / FacebooK: @pepenglish

ILL CAMPS

This summer, IIL Camps offers bilingual (French/English) holiday camps open to all children and teenagers from 3 to 17 years old, in half-day or full-day formats, with:

– a wide choice of sports (incl. climbing, canyoning, rugby, horse riding…),

– IT activities (incl. robotics, game development, coding…),

– various artistic activities (musical, hip hop, music, graphic design…)

and many other entertaining activities and cultural outings.

We aim at awaking children’s interest, encouraging learning, developing their creativity and entertaining them, all in a caring and stimulating atmosphere. All camps are organised under the aegis of the Institut International de Lancy, in order to guarantee the quality of the supervision and their safety.

Come and discover our programme for a colourful summer 2022!

CONTACT:
www.iil-camps.ch
Email : [email protected]
Tel No. : 076 410 26 20

FUTURE KIDS

Are you looking for an original, fun and educational activity for your child during the holidays? Futurekids welcome children and teenagers aged 5 to 14 for a morning or a full day around original themes such as video game development, robotics, programming and much more! In our holiday camps, students discover computer science while having fun. They are interacting, sharing, learning and developing their creativity and their sense of logic. They will also have to help each other, collaborate, create an ambitious group project and complete it. Our pedagogy allows children and teenagers to open up to the world of tomorrow and to learn a little more about the professions of the future.

AGE: 5+
HOURS: 9h – 17h
PRICE: 335 CHF/week
LOCATION: Geneva, Nyon, Lausanne, and more.
CONTACT:
https://futurekids.io/
[email protected]
0216011427

LES PETITS BRICOLOS

Have fun and learn excellent skills at the same time!!! Yes it’s possible with Les Petits Bricolos. Children will spend the day building benches, boats, crossbows and many other projects. For part of the day they will have fun at Parc des Bastions: a perfect place for fun and picnics! So, if your kid is very handy, always making things with his two hands and would love to do more, this camp is perfect! Little carpenters will use real tools and build on their own. Knowing how to build and repair is a highly practical skill. Small groups of 6 maximum will assure a joyful atmosphere. Lunch is not included, but drinks and snacks will be provided.

PRICE: 100 CHF/day or 400 CHF/week.
HOURS: 9h00 – 17h00
LOCATION: Bastions area.
MORE INFO: here.

TOTUP

If you’re looking for a camp for your toddler, this is the place to book! TotUp is a well known private nursery and primary school in Geneva and Vaud. They have experience of caring for toddlers, and are also very well equipped to provide them with fun activities. Every week will have a different theme, every week will involve outings, creative time, high quality food, and summer joy! Caring atmosphere adapted to the needs of toddlers guarantees parents’ peace of mind. Don’t wait too long with booking – it is not easy in Geneva to find camps for small children.

AGE: 2+
HOURS: maximum 7am – 7 pm
PRICE: from 350 CHF/week
LOCATION: Lancy (Geneva), Crissier & Epalinges (Vaud)
MORE INFO: click here.

PLANET CLIMBING

During holiday camps at Planet Climbing, your child will enjoy a great mix of sports related to climbing as well as other fun and creative activities. These week-long camps are not only for “climber-kids”! Every child will enjoy the time learning new skills and making friends. All camps are fully guided and ensure a safe and fun time for all. The program includes climbing games at the climbing gym, outdoor climbing day, yoga, arts and crafts, tennis, a visit to the Fluo Sports room and more outdoor games in collaboration with third party providers. Everything is designed to push vertical limits for fun!
Groups of 8 kids max. Weekly and daily booking possible. From 08:30 to 17:00. Extra child-care hours on-demand.

AGE: 5+
PRICE: 490 CHF/week or 125 CHF/day (10% discount for three bookings made at the same time)
HOURS: 8h30 – 17h00.
LOCATION: Lancy.
MORE INFO: here. 

HERSTREET

SCHOOL OF LIFE

This new place is a nonprofit foundation organizing all year courses, trips and summer camps for kids. All profits go to support the Ukrainian refugees. This is their first year of functioning but they are experienced people – the foundation was brought to life by the famous IT STEP Academy. You can choose between adventure camps and IT camps. A noble project indeed. Thanks to your kids having fun, other people will be supported in their needs. Isn’t it a beautiful idea?

AGE: 4+
PRICE: 450 CHF/wekk
HOURS: 8h30-17h00
LOCATION: Nations & Eaux-Vives
MORE INFO: click here.

ESPACE COLIBRI

Gymboree Geneva

Creatorz Academy

OTHER CAMPS

Intersoccer: football in many locations.

BioParc in Versoix: become a zookeeper.

Au Fil des Sens: creative weeks for 6+.

ASK All Special Kids: camps for children with Learning Differences and Special Educational Needs.

Roller Geneve: roller blading camp in Geneva.

CPV: many camps to choose from!

AddictLab: super cool STEAM camps (science mixed with arts).

Recrecrea: pure fun, liberty and creativity at the same time.

Totem: climbing and sports camps.

У школах Женеви звикли мати дітей, які не володіють французькою.

Діти в Женеві ідуть до школи приблизно 20 серпня, коли їм виповнюється чотири роки. Діти, народжені з серпня до грудня, починають навчатися через рік після тих, хто народився з січня до липня. Перший клас початкової школи (французька ecole primaire) – це 1P, і він триває до 8P.

1P–4P – це «менша частина», а 5P–8P – «середня частина».

Від 1P до 4P діти отримують оцінки не у вигляді цифр, а у вигляді словесного оцінювання. Від 5P вони отримують традиційні оцінки з математики та французької мови, з 6P – також з німецької.

Перші два роки (1P–2P) діти здебільшого звикають до школи, спілкування, рукоділля та співів. Це більше схоже на дитячий садок. Вони потроху починають писати літери, свої імена, але без напруженого навчання. Очікується, що до кінця 4P вони мають вміти читати короткі тексти та писати кілька речень. Клас проводить час з одним–двома вчителями (які приходять у різні дні).

У 5P навчання трохи змінюється. Додаються нові предмети (історія, природознавство, географія, німецька мова). У 7P до переліку предметів додається англійська мова.

Наприкінці 4P і 8P діти здають іспити. Перший – це радше для інформації шкіл, щоб оцінити, як навчаються учні. Другий важливий, його бали зараховують до суми балів під час переходу від початкової до середньої школи (так званий Cycle d’Orientation, цикл орієнтації).

Діти, які не розмовляють французькою в 1P–3P, ідуть до звичайного класу та вивчають французьку з рештою учнів. Ті, хто йдуть до швейцарської школи у 4P і пізніше, півдня навчаються зі звичайним класом, а наступну половину проводять у class d’accueil, де вивчають французьку.

Школи надають усі матеріали, від книжок до олівців. Усе це залишається в школі весь час, а наприкінці навчального року діти приносять приладдя додому (олівці, ручки, ножиці тощо).

Найнеобхідніші речі, які сім’я повинна забезпечити дитині:

• домашнє взуття/капці
• спортивний одяг та окреме взуття тільки для спортивного залу
• рюкзак (легкий, але такий, що вміщує файл формату А4)
• коробка для перекусів і пляшка води
• купальник, шапочка, рушник
• фартух для малювання/рукоділля

Найбільша незручність – обідня перерва: з 11:30 до 13:30 діти повинні або йти додому, або записуватися до шкільної їдальні.

Існує можливість доглядати за дітьми після школи (16–18.00) у parascolaire.

І обід, і parascolaire платні.

Цикл орієнтації (Cycle d’Orientation)

На основі оцінок у 8P (останньому класі початкової школи) дітей можуть розподіляти на три різні рівні в CO. R3 – для тих, хто має найкращі оцінки, R2 – для учнів із середньою успішністю, R3 – для тих, хто відчуває труднощі та потребує додаткової підтримки.

До якої початкової та середньої школи ідуть діти, визначають на основі їхньої домашньої адреси.

Після трьох років навчання в CO (9P–11P) діти або йдуть до старших класів (коледжу), а потім до університету, або обирають професійну підготовку (apprentissage), яка підготує їх до ринку праці, коли їм виповниться 16 років.

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